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How To Get Your GED Information Page. |
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Get My GED
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If you're planning to
take the GED Test soon, it's essential to understand the essay section since
many test candidates find it one of the most difficult aspects of the language
arts exam. Understanding what this part of the GED test expects -- and how it's
scored -- is an excellent way to reduce difficulty, test anxiety and improve
scoring. The GED, the common
term for the General Education Development credential, is the adult's
alternative to a high school diploma. The GED credential is awarded after
passing tests in science, social studies, math, and reading and writing, or
language arts. Most of the GED test
is multiple-choice. But part of the language arts writing test requires the
candidate to write an original essay, based on a provided prompt. The essay will
need to make an explanation or present a point of view. Two pages are provided
for the essay, but there’s no requirement that all the space be used. Still, at
least 200 words are recommended. Timing for the test is
flexible. A total of 120 minutes is allowed for both parts of this language arts
exam, with 75 minutes slotted for the 50 questions in part one and 45 minutes
slotted for the essay test. However, GED candidates who finish the first part in
less time can devote the remaining time to the second part. Or, if more time is
needed for the first section and less for the second, a candidate may use
remaining time from the essay and return to the multiple-choice section of the
writing test. The essay is scored on
a 4-point scale, and scored by two trained GED essay readers. The two GED readers'
scores are averaged. If the essay receives a score of 2 or higher, the essay
score is combined with the language arts multiple-choice score to form a
composite. If a GED candidate receives a score of 1 or 1.5 on the essay, there's
no composite score, and the candidate must retake both the essay and
multiple-choice portion of the test. GED Essay readers may not be more than one
point apart in their scoring. In those cases where the readers are more than one
point apart, the chief reader for the GED scoring site will set the score by
agreeing with the reader whose score follows the GED Testing Service scale. Individual essay
scores are not reported, but the score accounts for 35 percent of this portion
of the language arts test. Essay scoring is based
on five areas, and measures the overall impression of the essay: 1. Does the paper
respond to the assigned prompt—did the candidate use the topic on the test, and
remain on-topic? 2. Can the reader see
or follow an organized plan for development? 3. Are there specific
and relevant details to support the paper's focus? 4. Are the conventions
of language (grammar, usage, and mechanics) generally followed? 5. Is the word choice
precise, varied, and appropriate? Here's a good way to
understand these five requirements. The essay is scored on organization, essay
focus to the prompt and how well the ideas are developed and supported. The
essay is also scored on appropriate English mechanics such as grammar,
punctuation, along with word choice and sentence structure. However, the most
important measure is organization, focus to the main prompt, and idea
development. Prompts differ from
test to test, cover topics of general interest and are not released in advance
of the test. But here's an example of a prompt:
'What is
your most important reason for obtaining the GED credential? How do you think it
will help you achieve a goal in the next year? In your essay, identify your most
important reason for obtaining the GED and the single most important goal you
plan to achieve with it. Explain your point of view and support your goal, using
your own experience, background and knowledge to support your essay.' So, what's the best
way to prepare for the essay test? Practice! To best prepare, practice writing
two-page essays in the 45-minute time period. Ask for critique and guidance to
determine how well your essays are organized, focus on a particular subject and
explore ideas that support your main topic. You'll also want to know that your
grammar and use of English mechanics are sound. Additional
Resources The American Council
on Education, the administrative agency for the GED, provides free information
about testing, official test sites, GED scores, example test questions and GED
transcripts. Check with your local
school district, library, community college or university. Chances are, there
are GED classes available in your community. Read These Other Great GED Articles So You Can Pass the GED!
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